By Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz.media

Cheating. Just the word has enough sting to make your freshly done gel manicure chip. I remember when a top Bollywood female actor found out her boyfriend, a top actor from a family whose illustrious legacy is renowned in the film industry, was cheating on her with another gorgeous female actor, she was devastated. No, no… I’m not going to give out names…perhaps only to say that, pardon us, the ‘Kat’ has got our tongue.

The Cheating Formula

But then again, let’s move away from tumultuous Bollywood where relationships are as fragile as broken glass. However, in the world over, things have changed. Once upon a time, infidelity was a one-way ticket to Breakupville, no returns, no refunds. But darlings, welcome to 2025, where the idea of forever comes with fine prints and disclaimers… and couples are no longer so quick to cut the cord when betrayal knocks on their love door.

According to a juicy new study by Gleeden (yes, the app that knows what’s up) and IPSOS, 53% of Indians… yes, more than half, believe that infidelity doesn’t automatically mean the end of a relationship. Gasp? Yes. Surprised? Maybe not.

Because let’s face it… love in the modern world isn’t as black-and-white as it used to be, now it seems to be in the hues of 50 shades of grey. We’re living in an era of emotional fluency, therapy appointments, open relationships, and deep-dive conversations that go beyond, “You did what with who?!”

Not All Affairs End in Farewell

The survey, which tapped into the hearts (and heartbreaks) of over 1,500 Indian respondents, revealed a powerful shift: 25% of people said their reaction would depend on the situation, while 28% said they’re absolutely open to forgiveness if both partners are willing to put in the work.

Translation? Infidelity isn’t always a hard no. Sometimes, it’s a wake-up call. A symptom, not the disease.

And that’s the twist. People are asking, “What went wrong?” instead of just screaming “Who’s to blame?” It’s not just about broken vows… it’s about broken connections, unmet needs, emotional absence… and yes, the WiFi being stronger than the relationship.

Big Cities Are More Chill

Now here’s where it gets extra spicy. If you thought city folks are more likely to ghost at the first sign of drama, think again. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore were noticeably more forgiving. In fact, just when you think “conservative” Bengaluru would be the first to bite off cheating relationships, it took the crown for being the most understanding, with 59% saying cheating isn’t a dealbreaker. Talk about progressive palates.

Meanwhile, further North East, Guwahati was not having it. A whopping 72% of respondents there said “Nope. Cheating = Out.” Clearly, cheating doesn’t merit forgiveness in every pin code.

From Blame Game to Therapy Talk

Let’s be real, we’re all starting to see relationships more like living organisms. If they’re hurting, don’t just toss them out. Diagnose. Treat. Grow.

Infidelity, for some couples, is less about betrayal and more about a breakdown, in intimacy, communication, or emotional alignment. Cue couple’s therapy, long talks over wine, and perhaps a mutual agreement to work through the mess, together.

According to Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager of Gleeden India, “Infidelity is no longer viewed as a one-foot-out-the-door issue. It’s being seen as a symptom of deeper disconnect, not always the cause of collapse.”

Mic drop.

The Age of Second Chances

Here’s the shocker (or maybe the hope?): 62% of respondents said they would forgive a one-time infidelity. Yes, you read that right. The “once a cheater, always a cheater” trope is slowly being replaced with, “Once a mistake, maybe a conversation.”

Resilience is sexy now. Emotional maturity is the new relationship flex. And staying together after betrayal isn’t weakness, it’s bravery. A power move. A middle finger to fairytales that told us true love never messes up.

TheGlitz Take

At TheGlitz, we’re not saying go out and get your heart broken, but if you do, know this: love isn’t a multiple-choice test with only one correct answer. It’s messy, emotional, complex, and evolving… just like all of us.

Sometimes the strongest couples are the ones who’ve weathered the worst and come out the other side …not perfect, but real.

So, here’s to second chances, deeper love, and a new chapter where the only rules are the ones you write.